Family Eating Thanksgiving Dinner / Getty Images

It's time to bundle up in a winter coat. / Getty Images

Mickey Mouse turns 84 this month. / Gannett file photo

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This is the month to give thanks to friends, family and veterans.

1 Veterans Day

Help your children understand the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military by observing Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Teach them to say “Thank you for your service” when they see someone wearing a military uniform or a U.S. veteran cap. Go to the Veterans Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. Nov. 10. The parade begins at the intersection of Trafficway Street and John Q. Hammons Parkway, then south on Benton Avenue and west on St. Louis St.

2 Turkey Trot

Start your Thanksgiving Day with a brisk early-morning walk or run with about 8,000 of your closest friends. The 18th annual Turkey Trot 5K starts at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at the Springfield Exposition Center, 635 St. Louis St. Visit parkboard.org or call 837-5817.

3 Thanksgiving

This holiday is more than just a day to overeat and watch football. It’s a time for family traditions. Whether your family follows up dinner by planning Black Friday shopping strategies or by dusting off Christmas decorations, be sure to include “giving thanks” as a tradition. Have each person write down what he or she is thankful for and save the sheets in a binder to revisit every year.

4 Bundle up!

When the temperature drops, it’s time to bundle up in a warm winter coat. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a coat. If you or your child has outgrown last year’s coat, or if you can afford to buy an extra one, find a coat drive. The Kitchen Inc.’s communitywide blanket and coat drive runs through Nov. 23. For more information, visit thekitcheninc.org.

5 Happy birthday, Mickey!

It’s been 84 years since our favorite mouse debuted as “Steamboat Willy.” Since that time, kids all over the world have been singing out his name: M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! Celebrate Mickey’s birthday on Nov. 18 with a Mickey Mouse DVD or book from the library, play free games at disney.com or just do the hot dog dance in his honor.

This is the month to take time to give thanks to friends, family and veterans.